Controversial Boss Ellen DeGeneres Is Desperate To Be ‘Liked’ By Staffers, Source Claims — ‘Now More Than Ever’

Ellen The Generous! A source claims that in the wake of her toxic-workplace scandal this summer, Ellen DeGeneres has been working overtime to change her rep and prove her appreciation for her staff. 

"She bent over backward to show everyone she was in the Christmas spirit, including a huge splurge on office decorations and generous staff holiday gifts that were all personalized with handwritten notes," says the source. 

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Even when the talk show host, 62, had to delay production, "she insisted everyone get paid for the episodes they had to miss," claims the source. "That alone was a huge step for her and shows she's not pinching pennies. It's important to Ellen that she be liked, now more than ever." 

Though DeGeneres is trying hard to make things right, it's proved difficult for her to regain trust from the public. The scandal has certainly put a damper on the show, as the latest season hit a new low in the final week of 2020 with just 900,000 viewers tuning in.

Then, when DeGeneres revealed she had contracted coronavirus in December, the show had to air reruns for weeks, which resulted in a loss of 400,000 viewers that month. Ratings for the show were down over 35 percent as compared to the same time period the year prior.

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However, the comedian refuses to give up on her once popular program, which she's been hosting since 2003. As OK! previously reported, an insider claimed that the star is well aware that her viewership is sinking, but she has a few tricks up her sleeve to garner more positive attention.

"The show has lots of stunts and big-name guests booked when it returns," the source shared. "She is determined to survive the workplace scandal that tarnished her reputation and keep the show going. She will not allow her TV legacy to be that of a 'toxic boss.'"